Podcast summary and Notes on "fermenting grapes"

Ep. 27 Take a trip back in time to the beginning of wine with John Penate

A journey through the history & evolution of wine, from ancient civilizations to modern times…sommelier John Penate returns for another delicious episode.

Take a trip back in time to the beginning of wine, as John Penate makes a return trip to the podcast.

In America, we know Georgia as the “Peach State” but for the rest of the world, Georgia is an ancient country found at the intersection of Europe and Asia. And for sommeliers, it’s known as the birthplace of wine, with evidence of winemaking dating back to 6000 B.C. You’ll learn all about the unique winemaking methods used there, such as fermenting grapes in large clay vessels called qvevri, and the unique grape varietals used in their wine that are found nowhere else.

John also provides listeners with an historical context for the development of Georgian wine, including the role of religion and centuries-old cultural traditions in their winemaking, as wine is used for both religious and secular purposes.

And then, if we hadn’t already been desperate to get our hands on some Georgian wine, John and Ron taste a Georgian red wine called Saperavi, which John describes as “having a fruity nose with hints of spice and leather, and a tannic, acidic taste with a long finish”. He suggests pairing it with roasted chicken or vegetables, as the acidity and tannins can cut through a variety of flavors. Sublime.

All this and more awaits in this delicious episode. Your taste buds - and your ears - will thank you.